When prom preparation comes around, you don’t want to get caught off-duty. Achieving a style worthy of any special occasion requires a sense of exploration and self-discovery. Done well, you’ll know when the ’do is you!

You can be inspired by a celebrity without losing your own sense of style. The exciting trend this year is all about you... looking your best, finding your own style, enhancing your confidence. First of all, even before considering your hairdo, you should take the time to carefully review various options when selecting your gown. The cut and length of the dress, along with your hair type, will help you decide when it comes time to choosing the right hairstyle for your special evening.

Of our six senior prom models, five are all outstanding teens from the 2006 Miss North Carolina Teen USA pageant; joining them is Miss NC Teen USA 2005 Nikkie Groat. The young ladies were selected from a field of 94 pageant contestants. We felt that each one of these young women had realized her own unique style that gave her the flair and ultimate confidence we were looking to convey.

Inset: before

Inset: before

Nikkie’s thick hair is styled to enhance all of her outstanding features. Long swooping bangs draw attention to her eyes, soft, sweeping layers frame her dimples, and blond highlights show off the depths of her healthy locks. Her haircut is “pumped up” up for prom by blow-drying until slightly damp and rolling sections of layered hair into large velcro rollers. Once dry, take the rollers out, brush, and lightly spray.

TIP: You don’t have to wear your hair in an updo for it to look
formal.

This lime green gown is a perfect choice for Lara’s sassy but chic style. The neckline of the dress help your eyes travel upward to this perfectly put-together beauty. Her casual bob haircut is made more festive and formal by simply parting the hair on the side and tucking it behind one ear to expose her crystal earring.

TIP: Use a small amount of “gloss” to make it sleeker and boost up the shine.

Inset: before

Inset: before

Jessica is a perfect “10” with this look of sophistication. Her hair is softly curled, brushed back, and secured at the nap of her neck with a barrette that matches her pretty earrings. Simple elegance is the only word you can use for this exquisite brunette beauty. Her look will stay gorgeous all night with minimal upkeep.

TIP: If your hair is pulled off your face completely, you should wear a more apparent earring.

Wow... was the only word we could use when we spotted Noelle. Everything about this teenager’s look was shouting “STYLE.” She obviously had already established her own look and we latched onto it. Her sandy blond hair was teased at the roots, smoothed, and tucked behind her ears. A large round brush was use while blow-drying to create the flip.

TIP: Use an aerosol spray on the flip for a softer hold with movement, but switch to an “ultrahold” pump on the top and sides.

Inset: before

Inset: before

Rachel’s look is nothing less than royalty. She radiates the confidence and poise that few have and many strive for. Because her everyday look is soft and side-parted, we made a simple change to her warm chestnut hair with a small front part and a slight flip. At the crown of her head, the hair was teased, smoothed back, and sprayed, while the sides were tucked behind her ears.

TIP: To secure hair behind the ears, use bobby pins to hold the style in place.

Regal but bold, simple but stunning... Katie is such a natural beauty, everything about her says “bombshell.” The severe side part accentuates her face shape, the lowlights add dimension. This style is achieved by pulling the sides of the hair under the back section, securing it, and then gently brushing loose hair over the fastened area.

TIP: After hair is brushed into place, spray and run your hand lightly over it to hold down fly-aways.

The fun and exciting idea behind prom is to “be yourself”...only better! Prepare early, express your individuality, pay attention to details, establish your style... then go out and have fun!

Kristianna Nichols is one of the country’s new beauty experts. She is a former Mrs. America, NFL cheerleader, professional model and commercial actress. Kristianna has had her own TV talk show and was a popular entertainment reporter for the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis before moving to Vail, Colorado. She has hosted many TV shows, from Mainstreet USA to On The Move. She is the president and CEO of Noble Tress beauty company and the inventor of “Kristianna’s Crown.”